NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) -- The Hill in New York -- Wimbledon's U.S. event which kicked off Friday night at Brooklyn's Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park with a breathtaking performance by Nicole Scherzinger -- may be growing in size each year, but the U.S. Open need not worry nor is The Hill concerned about its well-established Queens neighbor, the British Consul General in New York joked to 1010 WINS/WCBS 880.
"We're not worried about that," Hannah Young, who in January assumed the position of His Majesty's Consul General to New York after serving as the Deputy Consul General, told 1010 WINS/WCBS 880. "Wimbledon is so traditional and it's so historic, that I think there is room for both."
Spectators gather at Wimbledon's The Hill in New York on July 12, 2024 at Empire Fulton Ferry State Park.AELTC
Now in its third year, The Hill in New York recreates the atmosphere of being at The Hill at SW19 in London. On Saturday, there are live screenings of the ladies' singles and gentlemen's doubles finals, and on Sunday, there will be live screenings of the gentlemen's singles and ladies' doubles finals. Once live play has concluded, there will be sunset screenings of notable Wimbledon matches between tennis legends. Iconic Wimbledon fare is available, such as strawberries and cream and Pimm's. There are also activations by Barclays, Range Rover, Stella Artois and ESPN. There was a lottery to gain access to The Hill in New York, but there may availability for those who walk-up.
Young, who carried a Gucci tote with a Wimbledon-appropriate strawberry print, said, "Tennis is universally loved. Brits go mad for it. But we know, because we're here again for a third year, that Americans love it as well. The U.S. Open is an incredible tournament. In fact, one of the women's finalists made it to the U.S. Open only a month ago. I think it's a great opportunity for tennis fans to come together."
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While Americans have the U.S. Open and other homegrown tennis tournaments, Young said the distinct British nature of Wimbledon -- which has been held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London since 1877 -- is what attracts tennis aficionados, Anglophiles. and others.
"Wimbledon is the ultimate tennis tournament," said Young. "It's the oldest, and it has some wonderful British quirks that I think Americans absolutely love. It's played on grass, there's a very strict dress code, and then we have lovely quirks, like it's traditional to drink Pimm's. We have strawberries and cream, and all of that is being replicated here in New York."
And Scherzinger, who took to the stage following sets by AJ Mitchell and DJ Cheeba, told the raucous crowd of thousands, "I've been fortunate enough to call London my second home for many years and I am looking forward to returning to Wimbledon which is always such a wonderful day out. I am thrilled to be a part of bringing the spirit of Wimbledon to New York City, creating an iconic event that blends the excitement of world-class tennis with the vibrant energy of this incredible city."
